Proposed Change Justification from Union 3.5
Law Reference Union Proposed Change Justification from Union 3.5
FRONT ROW – REPLACEMENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS RFU 3.5 THE FRONT ROW – REPLACEMENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
a) It is the team’s responsibility to ensure that all front row players and potential front row replacements are suitably trained. It is not for the referee to determine whether any player is suitably trained to play in the front row.
b) The table below indicates the minimum number of front row players by squad size and the minimum replacement obligations:
Squad Size Minimum number of Front Row
Must be able to replace the following at the first time of asking 15 or less 3 - 16, 17 or 18 4 Either Prop or Hooker 19, 20, 21 or 22 5 Either Prop and Hooker 23 6 Loose Head Prop, Tight Head Prop and Hooker
Unions/match organisers may increase the minimum number of front row players in the squad and may increase the minimum replacement obligations. Where the Union/match organiser has determined squad sizes of 23 and a team is only able to nominate two front row replacements, then that team may nominate only 22 players in their squad. c) c. Prior to the match the team must advise the referee of their front row players and potential front row replacements and only these players may play in the front row when the scrum is contested. d) d. A replacement front row player may start the match in another position.
Uncontested scrums Uncontested scrums are the same as normal scrums, except that the teams do not compete for the ball; the team throwing in the ball must win it, and neither team is allowed to push. a) Scrums will become uncontested if either team cannot field a suitably trained front row or if the referee so orders. b) Unions/match organisers may determine whether or not a game may start or continue with uncontested scrums. c) When a front row player leaves the playing area, whether through injury or temporary or permanent suspension, the referee will enquire at that time whether the team can continue with contested scrums.
If the referee is informed that the team will not be able to contest the scrum then the referee will order uncontested scrums. If the player returns or another front row player comes on then contested scrums may resume. d) d. In a squad of 23 players, or at the discretion of the Union/match organiser, a player whose departure has caused the referee to order uncontested scrums cannot be replaced.